Daijiworld Media Network - Varanasi

Varanasi, Sep 13: A 27-year-old Romanian student, Philip Francisca, pursuing a PhD in Indian Philosophy at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her rented accommodation in Varanasi, police confirmed on Saturday.

Francisca had been living in the Chowk police station area, and concerns were raised when she failed to respond to repeated knocks on her door late Friday night. Her landlord, alarmed by the silence, informed the police. Officers accessed her room using a duplicate key and discovered her lying unresponsive on the bed.

ACP Dashashwamedh Ghat, Atul Anjan Tripathi, stated, “We were informed by her friends that her name is Philip Francisca, and she was from Romania. She was studying at BHU and had been residing in Varanasi for several years.”

There were no signs of forced entry, suicide notes, or medicines found at the scene. However, preliminary investigations suggest a possible medical condition as a factor. Friends of the deceased told police that she had a history of epilepsy since childhood and was on regular medication.

“Forensic samples have been collected, and the post-mortem report will determine the exact cause of death,” Tripathi added.

Francisca’s passport, visa, and mobile phone have been seized as part of the investigation. Police confirmed that she had a valid visa until 2027 and had previously studied in Surat and Amritsar before settling in Varanasi.

The Romanian Embassy has been notified, and authorities are in contact with her family. Her remains will be handed over once her relatives arrive in India.
As of now, police have not ruled out any possibilities, and further investigation is ongoing.